Check out Artists' Month

September 29, 2006

October is Chicago Artists' Month, an annual showcase of the city's visual-arts scene organized by the Department of Cultural Affairs. This year is titled "Beyond Boundaries" and has about 250 galleries and events taking part. Some highlights from the first week:

"The Needle and Nostalgic Fun" (Friday through Oct. 29 at the Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St.; free, 773-445-3838). A light-hearted show by four artists with diverse sources of inspiration ranging from urban graffiti, Japanese aesthetics, packaging design and Pop Art. The title has not much to do with Neil Young; it plays off the fact one of the contributors (Beth Doherty) works in yarn crocheting and the others (Jeremiah Ketner, Gabe Lanza and Christine Theil) in subjects of nostalgia.

"Cultural Crossings" (6 p.m. Thursdays at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St.; free, 312-744-6630). Artists from Chicago's Arabic, Native American, Puerto Rican and African-American communities. The first week focuses on the work of Josue Pellot, who was born in Puerto Rico and grew up on the Southwest Side. Toy figurines in the show comment humorously on racial and ethnic stereotypes.